Last-Gasp Giovinazzi Flyer Snatches Imola Pole For Ferrari

Giovinazzi Clinches Pole at FIA WEC Hyperpole Session in Imola

Antonio Giovinazzi secured his second consecutive pole position during the Hyperpole session for the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season opener at Imola, edging out a competitive field by just 0.011 seconds. Driving the #51 Ferrari AF Corse 499P, Giovinazzi clocked a time of 1:30.127, remarkably clinching pole after being the last driver to finish the session.

The session began dramatically as Ryo Hirakawa, in the #8 Toyota TS050 Hybrid, initially took the top position with a time of 1:30.138. Hirakawa’s performance seemed to signal an upset, as he briefly displaced Antonio Fuoco of the #50 Ferrari, who had set the fastest time just moments earlier. Fuoco ultimately secured third place, only 0.040 seconds off pole.

Malthe Jakobsen (Peugeot 9X8) and Norman Nato (Cadillac V-Series.R) rounded out the top five, with times critically close. Notably, the top ten was separated by a mere 0.674 seconds, setting a new record for the closest qualifying session in the Hyperpole era.

Giovinazzi remarked on his performance, stating, “It’s incredible to achieve back-to-back poles, and I’m looking forward to the race tomorrow.”

Among those who fell short in their pursuit of Hyperpole, Jules Gounon, driving the #36 Alpine, expressed disappointment after missing out by 0.038 seconds, finishing 11th.

LMGT3 Highlights

In the LMGT3 category, rookie Tom Fleming delivered a standout performance, securing pole position for Garage 59 with a best time of 1:41.181 in the #10 McLaren LMGT3 Evo. This marked a promising debut for the team in the championship. Fleming expressed gratitude for the team’s hard work, emphasizing the car’s potential.

Hadrien David drove the #78 Akkodis ASP Team Lexus RC F LMGT3, finishing second, closely followed by his teammate Clemens Schmid. The session saw fierce competition, but ultimately, no one could match Fleming’s pace.

Key Results:

• Hypercar Class:

  1. Antonio Giovinazzi (Ferrari AF Corse 499P) – 1:30.127
  2. Ryo Hirakawa (Toyota TS050 Hybrid) – 1:30.138
  3. Antonio Fuoco (Ferrari AF Corse 499P) – 1:30.167
  4. Malthe Jakobsen (Peugeot 9X8) – 1:30.199
  5. Norman Nato (Cadillac V-Series.R) – 1:30.480

• LMGT3 Class:

  1. Tom Fleming (McLaren LMGT3 Evo) – 1:41.181
  2. Hadrien David (Lexus RC F LMGT3) – 1:41.407
  3. Clemens Schmid (Lexus RC F LMGT3) – 1:41.470

The 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship begins tomorrow with the 6 Hours of Imola, scheduled to start at 13:00 CEST.

Follow-Up: Further coverage will detail race developments and results.